Carpet Page from the Book of Durrow, c. 660-680, Migration Period, Ireland

Symbol of St. Matthew from the Book of Durrow, c. 660-680, Migration Period, Ireland

San Vitale, 546-548, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

c. 500, Byzantine, Italy

c. 500, Byzantine, Italy

c. 500, Byzantine, Italy

c. 500, Byzantine, Italy

6th Century, Byzantine, Syria

6th Century, Byzantine, Syria

6th-7th Century, Byzantine, Egypt

6th Century, Byzantine, Egypttapestry

517, Byzantine, Italy

Early 6th Century, Byzantine, Constantinople

How are the female and male saints and martyrs in Sant'Apollinare in Nuovo distinguished from one another?

They each have different facial features and they hold their bodies in different ways form one another. They also carry different objects.

Describe the style of the mosaics in Sant'Apollinare in Nuovo. How are they Byzantine in style? Consider figure type, facial features, drapery, body posture, composition and spacing.

The figures are set against a gold background, and they are elongated and pressed against the picture plane. They also appear to be floating and frontal. The drapery does not give a suggestion of the body underneath.

Describe how Christ in Sant'Apollinare in Nuovo is depicted. How is he conceived of as royal? How is he made visually powerful?

Christ is sitting upon a throne, with an elaborate halo and in purple, which is the color of royalty. He is hieratically higher than the figures surrounding him, and is central, which denotes his importance. He is also the only one seated.

Each of them holds a different sacrament and are moving towards the center, replicating an actual liturgical process.

Why are some of the feet of the figures in the mosaics of Sant'Apollinare in Nuovo floating?

This represents that they aren't of this earth, that they are floating in an ethereal sphere.

Explain the iconography of Theodoric's Palace, Sant'Apollinare in Nuovo.

This is a fairly accurate depiction of the Palace, and Theodoric is the ruler who was an Arian. It used to depict mosaics of Theodoric and his court, but they were later redone and covered up to make it more orthodox Christian.

Describe the style of the Rabbula Gospels.

Is still Byzantine because of the elongated, floating figures, but they are large miniatures, and is distinguished by the bright colors, movement, expression and drama.

What is Arianism and why did it present a problem for the Church? How is the Church's response reflected in the iconography of Theodoric's Palace?

Arians believed in a hierarchy, in which Christ was not equal to God, but beneath him. So the trinity was a hierarchy, which was problematic because that is paganistic. The Church covered up the images when they regained power.

How does the Rabbula Gospels express emotion and action? Be specific.

The gestures of the figures are not only full of actions and diagonals, they also are gestures of amazement or sadness. In the Ascension, they are all in wow with their hands up, and in the Crucifixion, they are clutching their breasts.

How was the iconography of the Rabbula Gospels influenced by the decisions made at the Council of Chalcedon? Virgin Mary, Christ, visual difference?

The council refuted the idea that Christ had only one nature, but two natures in one person-- God and man. This makes Mary less divine and more human in order to emphasize the humanity of Christ.

Who were the copts?

How was the painting of Christ and Menas used? How are the proportions of the figures manipulated to make the image more powerful?

It was buried with someone, due to Coptic tradition. The eyes are enlargened and their faces emphasized to make them more emphatic.

Who were the Copts? How did their art reflect the late antique style of Egypt? Be specific.

It shows an influence of both Early Egyptian and Hellenistic styles. The subjects and symbol are taken both from Christian and Egyptian histories. The figures of saints display eyes and ears larger in proportion to the rest of the face and a smaller mouth, as well as enlarged heads, signifying a spiritual relationship with God and devotion to prayer. Martyrs' faces were peaceful.

Describe the style of the diptych of The Consul of Anastatius. Compare this with that of the Archangel Michael. How are they similar? How are they different?

In the Consul diptych, there are many symbols of his status and what he will do as consul. Archangel Michael is full of symbols of Christianity, but they are both frontal and take up most of architecture in the frame.

What is the iconography of The Consul of Anastatius?

He is holding a cloth, which one would throw down at the start of a festival. He also is dressed elegantly and holds a scepter of sorts to symbolize his power and importance.

What is the iconography of the Archangel Michael? How can you tell that it is Christian? What classical elements are there in this work?

We know its Christian because of the orb with the cross on top, representing Christ's dominion over the world. The angel is beneath another cross and has wings. The portico is a classical element, with the columns, and the drapery of his robes is also Roman.

How were ivory diptychs used in the Roman Empire? How did their function change under Christian rule?

These diptychs were used as calling cards almost for the very wealthy. However, under Christian rule, this was considered too elaborate, so instead, wealthy patrons would donate them to Churches with their pictures inscribed.

546-548, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

546-548, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

546-548, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

546-548, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

c. 549, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

532-537, Byzantine, Constantinople

How do buttresses work? Why are they necessary?

They make the wall extra thick and add support. They are necessary where walls are weak, such as where there are windows.

Describe the plan of San Vitale. How does it differ from a basilican plan? How does it accomodate the processional liturgy?

The plan of San Vitale consists of an octagonal domed core, vaulted and resting on eight piers and arches, then encircled by an ambulatory and a gallery. Also a dome. It still had a main altar, towards which the liturgies took place.

Discuss the style and iconography of Christ Enthroned, San Vitale. How is it similar and how does it differ from earlier renditions of the subject? Where was it placed in the church and why?

Christ in the apse is represented seated on a globe from which flow the four rivers of paradise. Christ holds in his hands a sealed book which is probably the Book of Life, which Christ will have at the time of the Second Coming and Last Judgment. He is the highest, and Justinian and Theodora offer gifts to him.

Describe the style and iconography of the Justinian and Theodora mosaics at San Vitale. How were they used as political propaganda? How were these two personages conflated with Christ and the Virgin Mary?

Justinian and Theodora are trying to make themselves humble, yet not too humble. They hold the eucharist between them. Theodora has picture of the three magi on her robes, but no Mary, indicating she is the Virgin. They both have haloes and serious expressions.

Describe the exterior of San Vitale. How is it similar to earlier churches we have studied? How is it different?

The outside is still modest and simple, made of brick. However, it is much taller and more windows (upper and lower story), and also buttresses because of all the windows.

Describe the interior of San Vitale. What impression were its creators trying to create? Why? How did they achieve this impression?

The interior is much more lavish than other churches-- and there is an altar. All the most expensive materials are used, which is typical, but this is the first real Byzantine church because style of mosaics. It is like stepping into a holy realm, because of all the dazzling colors but also because of all the light flooding through the windows.

Where were the Justinian and Theodora mosaics at San Vitale placed and why?

They were placed beneath Christ's, in order to seem more humble.

Discuss the role of the donor image in the Justinian mosaic at San Vitale.

Besides Justinian and Theodora and Christ, he is the only individualized person and named, giving him importance because he planned it. Also, Justinian never came to Ravenna, so the Bishop was basically the ruler.

Describe the style and iconography of the apse mosaic of Sant'Apollinare in Classe. How was it similar to other apse mosaics? How does it differ? Why it is considred Byzantine in style?

Byzantine because of floating and flat and frontal, gold. Christ is central and the sheep represent the apostles. Different because Christ is in an earthly realm instead of in heaven.

How did the architects Hagia Sophia resolve the problem of the longitudinal versus the centralized plan? Be specific.

The church was converted from a traditional rectangular format to a square one. The chief architects then crowned the building with a massive dome, crafted entirely out of hollowed bricks, made from lightweight clay imported from Rhodes. There are innumerable windows at the base of the dome through which light streams in and floods the interiors. Is both longitudinal and centralized because so massive.

c. 547, Byzantine, Ravenna, Italy

What are basket capitals and how did they contribute to the sense of weightlessness?

They are super ornate captials with lots of deep engraving, resembleming the weaving of a basket. Since they look like a basket, they appear super light weight.

Compare the interior and exterior of Hagia Sophia. Why do they differ?

The exterior is now like a mosque because it was converted later. The interior is Byzantine but with Muslim symbols-- gold.

What is a cathedra and why is it important?

The Cathedra is the seat of the Bishop. It resides in the altar. Used to be seat of emperors, but Bishops became more important.

How was the Throne of Maximianus constructed?

Ivory over wood, panels put on top.

Briefly describe the iconogrpahy depicted on the Throne of Maximianus. What was its function?

John the Baptist is flanked by four Evangelists, Joseph in Egypt, and Infancy cycle

5th century, Byzantine, Thessaloniki

c. 650, Byzantine, Thessaloniki

Why was so much art produced in Thessaloniki?

Because it was a major port and because it was a major proponent in converting Slavs to Christianity.

What does the architectural iconography represent in the mosaic Saint Onesiphoros and Saint Porpyrios at Hagios Georgios?

It seems to represent a throne, maybe a cathedra...? House of God? I have noooo idea.

6th Century,

c.700, Migration Period, Ireland

First half of the 7th Century, Migration Period, England

First half of the 7th Century, Migration Period, England

First half 7th Century, Migration Period, England

c.825, Viking, Norway

First half of the 8th Century, Migration Period, England

c.660-680, Migration Period, Ireland

c.660-680, Migration Period, Ireland

c.710-725, Migration Period, Ireland

c.710-725, Migration Period, Ireland

What are the main characteristics of Migration Period metalwork? Why?

Portable, interlace, made of metal. They wanted to wear their wealth and power on them. They like abstract, horror vacui.

Why did Migration Period artists use abstracted forms?

Horror vacui?

How did Migration period artwork differ from that of the Greco-Roman period? Why?

- influenced from San Vitale, a Byzantine Church, and Byzantine connected with greatness of Roman Empire (want to be associated); unlike San Vitale, which is light are ethereal, it was solid and permanent

- plan: centralized; groin-vaulted aisles like basilican, but no basilica because not a large church

- Carolingian sculptures small because didn't want to be accused of idolatry

- similar to Equestrian Monument of Marcus Aurelias in horse's raised foot (man's control over it), largeness of Emperor (unnecessary here, but was the precedent in past to make sure figure could still be seen from below), the holding of an orb (dominion over the earth)

St. Vicente interior, Cardona Castle, Early Romanesque, Spain, 1029-1040.- still uses thick walls, but delineated so more decorative, makes it appear less heavy but offers same support.

St. Martin-du-Canigou exterior, Early Romanesque, France, 1009.

Maiestas Domini, Saint Genis-des-Fountaines, Early Romanesque, France, 1019-1020.- large heads and "bowling pin" bodies (emphasis all on face)- Christ in the center flanked by apostles

How were medieval guilds organized?What roles did the apprentice, journeyman, and master play?What is a "masterpiece" in this context?

- guilds centered around professions-- masters are the heads, usually most experienced, journeymen were beneath but had experience, and apprentices were just beginning- masterpiece is submitted to guild to be judged by masters if worthy of master status

Explain how some of the Christmas liturgy was performed.

- procsesional; moves from different sections- the walls would be painted so people could reflect on the paintings while moving along

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